Hybrid vascular graft reinforcement

ABSTRACT

An implantable vascular graft includes an outer tube structure formed of a textile material, and an inner tube structure formed of a non-textile material. The inner tube structure is within the outer tube structure in coaxial relation therewith. One or both of the outer and inner tube structures have deformable reinforced portions incorporated therein. The deformable reinforced portions provide for conformance of the associated one or both of the outer and inner tube structures to a vessel of a patient. An implantable laminate prosthesis includes a first layer structure formed of textile material, and a second layer structure formed of non-textile material. The first and second layer structures are secured together in laminating relation. The first or second layer structure has a reinforced portion.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a hybrid vascular graftincluding an inner tube formed of non-textile material, such aspolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and an outer tube formed of textilematerial. More specifically, the present invention relates to such avascular graft having additional materials secured to the outer andinner tubes for reinforcement thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Implantable vascular grafts are used in medical applications for thetreatment of diseased or damaged blood vessels, such as arteries andveins. Such treatment may be necessitated by conditions in the arteriesand veins, such as a stenosis, thrombosis, occlusion or aneurysm. Avascular graft may be used to repair, replace, or otherwise correct adiseased or damaged blood vessel.

A vascular graft may be a tubular prosthesis for replacement or repairof a damaged or diseased blood vessel. To maximize the effectiveness ofsuch a prosthesis, it should be designed with characteristics whichclosely resemble that of the natural body lumen which is being repairedor replaced by the prosthesis.

An implantable vascular graft may be a multi-layered composite. Themulti-layered composite may include a first layer formed of a textilematerial and a second layer formed of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene(ePTFE) having a porous microstructure defined by nodes interconnectedby fibrils. An elastomeric bonding agent is applied to either the firstor the second layer and disposed within the pores of the microstructurefor securing the first layer to the second layer. An implantablevascular graft may therefore include an ePTFE-lined textile graft, anePTFE graft, covered with a textile covering, or a vascular patchincluding a textile surface and an opposed ePTFE surface. Such avascular graft may include additional ePTFE and/or textile layers.

The ePTFE may be formed from extruded tubes. PTFE is particularlysuitable as an implantable prosthesis as it has good biocompatibilityand low thrombogenicity. ePTFE has a microporous structure which allowsnatural tissue ingrowth and cell endothelization once implanted in thevascular system. This contributes to long term healing and patency ofthe graft.

A hybrid vascular graft may be used in the vascular system, urogenitaltract and bile duct, as well as in a variety of other applications inthe body. A hybrid vascular graft may be reinforced to open and supportvarious lumens in the body. Such a hybrid vascular graft may be used forthe treatment of stenosis, strictures and aneurysms in blood vessels,such as arteries and veins. Such treatments include implanting thevascular graft within the blood vessel to open and/or reinforcecollapsing or partially occluded sections of the vessel.

A hybrid vascular graft may be reinforced by providing a stent betweenthe outer layer formed of textile and the inner tubular layer formed ofnon-textile, such as ePTFE material. Such a composite structure isdisclosed in FIGS. 18 and 20 and the related text of U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. U.S. 2003/0204241. The entire disclosure ofU.S. Patent Application Publication No. U.S. 2003/0204241 is herebyincorporated by reference herein. A stent constituted by a helical coilis disclosed in FIG. 8 and the related text of U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. US 2003/0204241.

The reinforcement provided by a stent, such as a helical coil, betweenthe outer and inner tubes of a hybrid vascular graft is generallyuniform in the longitudinal and radial directions along the vasculargraft. Such uniformity is advantageous for some uses of the vasculargraft. However, for other uses, it is preferable for the reinforcementto vary in the longitudinal and radial directions along the vasculargraft.

A stent, such as a helical coil, located between the outer and innertubes of a hybrid vascular graft is typically bonded to the tubes.Accordingly, assembly of such a vascular graft may include handling thestent in addition to the outer and inner tubes, positioning the stentrelative to the tubes before the bonding together of the tubes, andsecuring the stent to the tubes. This may add complexity to and requireadditional effort for the assembly of the vascular graft. Additionally,the material of the stent must normally be compatible with materials ofouter and inner layers, and possibly with the body of the patient. Thismay limit the type of material which is suitable for the stent.Additionally, it may be desirable to bond the outer and inner tubestogether before attachment of the stent thereto.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The implantable vascular graft of the present invention includes anouter tube structure formed of a textile material, and an inner tubestructure formed of a non-textile material. The inner tube structure iswithin the outer tube structure in coaxial relation therewith. One orboth of the outer and inner tube structures have deformable reinforcedportions incorporated therein. The deformable reinforced portionsprovide for conformance of the associated one or both of the outer andinner tube structures to a vessel of a patient. The textile material maybe weaved, knitted or braided.

The vascular graft may be reinforced by various materials secured to orby configurations of one or both of the outer and inner tube structures.These materials and configurations may be used individually or incombination with the vascular graft. One such technique for reinforcingthe vascular graft includes the bonding of reinforcing material to oneor both of the tube structures. Additionally, the textile material ofthe outer tube may be knitted, weaved or braided which provides furtherreinforcement.

A further technique for reinforcing the vascular graft is to securereinforcing material to the outer surface of the outer tube structure orto the inner surface of the inner tube structure. This enables the outerand inner tube structures to be secured together before the attachmentof the reinforcing material thereto. This may be advantageous, forexample, by allowing the bonding together of the tube structures beforethe determination of specific reinforcing material to be securedthereto.

An additional technique for reinforcing the vascular graft is to bondreinforcing material to one or both of the outer or inner tubestructures, where the reinforcing material is applied to the tubestructure or structures in a flowable condition such that, subsequent tothe application, the reinforcing material rigidities. The reinforcingmaterial is further secured to one or both of the tube structures byfilament material which is stitched to the reinforcing material and tothe tube structure or structures to which the reinforcing material isapplied.

A further technique for reinforcing the vascular graft is to crimp atleast a portion of one or both of the outer and inner tube structures.The crimping provides reinforcement to the vascular graft withoutrequiring the addition of reinforcing material to either the outer orinner tube structures. This simplifies the vascular graft such as by notrequiring the identification of a composition for the stiffeningmaterial which is compatible with the materials of the outer and innertube structures.

An additional technique for reinforcing the outer and inner tubestructures is to secure a highly absorbent material to one or both ofthe structures. The securing of the highly absorbent material to one orboth of the tube structures may be provided by an adhesive or stitching.

A further technique for reinforcing the vascular graft is to secure thereinforcing material within a channel which is formed on one or both ofthe outer or inner tube structures. A further technique for reinforcingthe outer and inner tube structures is to bond a stiffening rib formedof ePTFE or adhesive material, to one or both of the structures.

The present invention further provides for an implantable laminateprosthesis including a first layer structure formed of a textilematerial, and a second layer structure formed of a non-textile material.The first and second layer structures are secured together in laminatingrelation to one another. The first or second layer structure has areinforced portion which provides support to resist deformation of thelaminate prosthesis. The laminate prosthesis may be reinforced bymaterials and configurations which correspond to the materials andconfigurations which provide reinforcement to the vascular graftdescribed herein above.

The composite multi-layered implantable structures of the vascular graftand laminate prosthesis are designed to take advantage of the inherentbeneficial properties of the materials forming each of the tube andlayer structures. The textile tube and layer structures provide forenhanced tissue ingrowth, high suture retention strength andlongitudinal compliance for ease of implantation. The non-textile tubeand layer structures formed of a PTFE material provides the beneficialproperties of sealing the textile tube and layer structures without theneed for coating the textile tube and layer structures with a sealantsuch as collagen. The sealing properties of the non-textile tube andlayer structures formed of PTFE material allow the wall thickness of thetextile tube and layer structures to be minimized. Further, thenon-textile tube and layer structures formed of PTFE material exhibitenhanced thrombo-resistance upon implantation. Moreover, an elastomericbonding agent, which may be used to secure together the textile andnon-textile tube and layer structures, may add further puncture-sealingcharacteristics to the vascular graft and laminate prosthesis.

These and other features of the invention will be more fully understoodfrom the following description of specific embodiments of the inventiontaken together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of an implantable vascular graft of thepresent invention, the graft being shown as having an outer tubestructure formed of textile material which is illustrated in alternativeembodiments as being knitted, weaved and braided;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the implantable vascular graft ofFIG. 1 in the plane indicated by line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of an alternative second embodiment ofthe implantable vascular graft of FIG. 1, the graft being shown ashaving an outer tube structure formed of textile material which isillustrated in alternative embodiments as being knitted, weaved andbraided;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the implantable vascular graft ofFIG. 3 in the plane indicated by line 4-4 of FIG. 3, the outer and innertube structures being shown as having channels;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of an alternative third embodiment ofthe implantable vascular graft of FIG. 1, the graft being shown ashaving an outer tube structure formed of textile material which isillustrated in alternative embodiments as being knitted, weaved andbraided;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the implantable vascular graft ofFIG. 5 in the plane indicated by line 6-6 of FIG. 5, the outer and innertube structures being shown as being crimped;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an implantable laminate prosthesis of thepresent invention, the prosthesis being shown as having a first layerstructure formed of textile material which is illustrated in alternativeembodiments as being knitted, weaved or braided; and

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the implantable laminate prosthesisof FIG. 7 in the plane indicated by line 8-8 of FIG. 7, the first andsecond layer structures being shown as having channels and beingcrimped.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, animplantable vascular graft 10 is shown as having an outer tube structure12 formed of a textile material, which may be knitted, weaved, orbraided in alternative embodiments. These alternative embodiments areindicated in FIG. 1 by portions of the outer tube structure 12 beingillustrated as weaved 14, knitted 16, and braided 18. It will beunderstood that the textile of the outer tube structure 12 is typicallyformed entirely as either weaved 14, knitted 16, and braided 18. It ispossible for the outer tube structure 12 to have sections which differas between weaved 14, knitted 16, and braided 18. Examples of textilematerial which is weaved 14, knitted 16, and braided 18 are contained inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/876,212 filed in the U.S. Patent andTrademark Office on Jun. 24, 2004. The entire disclosure of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/876,212 is hereby incorporated by referenceherein. The vascular graft 10 has an inner tube structure 20 formed of anon-textile material which, in a preferred embodiment, is PTFE material.

The outer and inner tube structures 12, 20 have respective trunkportions 22, 24 including corresponding opposite ends 26, 28, 30, 32.The trunk portion 24 of the inner tube structure 20 has an interiorregion 34. The structures 12, 20 have respective pairs of leg portions36, 37. The leg portions 36, 37 of the inner tube structure 20 haverespective interior regions 40. The leg portions 36, 37 extend fromadjacent ends of the respective trunk portions 22, 24 such that theinterior regions 40 of the leg portions communicate with the interiorregion 34 of the trunk portion.

The inner tube structure 20 is secured within the outer tube structure12 in coaxial relation therewith. The securing of the inner tubestructure 20 within the outer tube structure 12 results in thedeformation of the outer or inner tube structure producing equivalentdeformation in the other of the structures.

A preferred technique for securing the outer and inner tube structures12, 20 together is to incorporate into one or both of the tubestructures a bonding material which extends between the inner and outertube structures. Typically, such bonding material bridges the innersurface of the outer tube structure 12 and the outer surface of theinner tube structure 20.

The bonding material may be incorporated into the outer tube structure12 by the bonding material being one or more filament structures whichare knitted, weaved or braided with the textile material of the outertube structure. Such filament structures may have attachment propertieswhich are dormant until activated by the filament structures beingsubjected to a specific condition. Consequently, prior to the activationof the attachment properties of the filament structures, the filamentstructures do not interfere with the positioning of the inner tubestructure 20 within the outer tube structure 12. When the outer andinner tube structures 12, 20 are properly positioned relative to oneanother, the attachment properties of the filament structures areactivated by the filament structures being subjected to a specificcondition, such as by heating or sintering. This secures the outer andinner tube structures 12, 20 together. The filament structures may be anadhesive material such as a fluorinated polymer. Alternatively, thefilament structures may be PTFE which melts during processing, such asduring heating or sintering of the outer and inner tube structures 12,20. Such melting results in the PTFE flowing into contact with the innertube structure 20. After completion of the processing, the PTFEsolidifies and remains in contact with both the outer and inner tubestructures 12, 20 for securing the tube structures to one another.

In an alternative embodiment, the outer and inner tube structures 12, 20may be secured to one another by a bonding material located between thetube structures and secured thereto. Such a bonding material may belocated between the inner surface of the outer tube structure 12 and theouter surface of the inner tube structure 20. The bonding material maybe an adhesive, or the polycarbonate urethane which has been sold underthe trademark CORETHANE® that is used as an adhesive.

One or both of the outer and inner tube structures 12, 20 has one ormore reinforced portions 44. The reinforced portions 44 may havereinforcing material 45 incorporated into one or both of the outer andinner tube structures 12, 20, as indicated in FIG. 2. The incorporationof the reinforcing material 45 into one or both of the outer and innertube structures 12, 20 may be according to the disclosures of U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,843,158, 6,015,429 and 6,689,162, and U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/876,212. The entire disclosures of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,843,158,6,015,429 and 6,689,162 are each hereby incorporated by referenceherein. The reinforcing material 45 may have a filament structure andmay be knitted, weaved, braided or otherwise incorporated into thetextile material of the outer tube structure 12.

Alternatively, or in addition to the reinforcing material 45, thereinforced portions 44 may include a reinforcing material which is addedand secured to one or both of the outer and inner tube structures 12,20. Such a reinforcing material may be an adhesive of the type used tobond together the structures 12, 20 or various polymers. Such areinforcing material may be applied to one or both of the outer andinner tube structures 12, 20 in a flowable condition for the securing ofthe reinforcing material thereto. Such a reinforcing material mayrigidify or harden shortly after the application thereof to thestructures 12, 20 resulting in bonding thereto of the reinforcingmaterial. Also, the reinforcing material may be a stiffening rib formedof ePTFE or adhesive material. Alternatively, the reinforcing materialmay be a highly absorbent material formed as a rope or cord which, whencontacted by liquids such as bodily fluids, expands and stiffens. Thereinforcing material, such as the stiffening rib and highly absorbentmaterial, is secured to one or both of the outer and inner tubestructures 12, 20, such as by one or both of adhesive bonding andstitching.

Alternatively, or in combination with the reinforcing material, thereinforced portions 44 may be provided by crimping or pleating the outersurface 46 of the outer tube structure 12, or the inner surface 48 ofthe inner tube structure 20. The crimping may be maintained by thestiffness of the material, a chemical additive such as a resin,stitching, or a combination thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the reinforced portions 44 are elongate. Thereinforced portions 44 may have various shapes, such as the straight,serpentine, and saw-tooth configurations 50, 52, 54 shown in FIG. 1. Thereinforced portions 44 may vary in the longitudinal and circumferentialdirections, and in combinations thereof.

A vascular graft 10 a having reinforced portions 44 a includingreinforcing material 56 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIGS. 3 and 4 areviews which correspond generally to FIGS. 1 and 2. Parts illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4 which correspond to parts illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2have, in FIGS. 3 and 4, the same reference numeral as in FIGS. 1 and 2with the addition of the suffix “a”.

The reinforcing material 56 may be provided by one or more stiffeningribs 58 or highly absorbent materials 60. The stiffening ribs 58, highlyabsorbent materials 60, and other reinforcing material are secured toone or both of the outer or inner tube structures 12 a, 20 a, such as bybeing adhesively bonded thereto. Alternatively, or in combination withthe adhesive bonding, the stiffening ribs 58, highly absorbent materials60, and other reinforcing materials may be stitched to the outer orinner tube structures 12 a, 20 a by filament material 62, such as suturematerial.

The stiffening ribs 58, highly absorbent materials 60, and otherreinforcing material are supported within channels 64 which extend fromthe outer surface 46 of the outer tube structure 12 a and from the innersurface 48 of the inner tube structure 20 a. The channels 64 are formedby respective pairs of folded portions 66 of the structures 12 a, 20 a.The folded portions 66 may be formed by pinching the inner surface 68 ofthe outer tube structure 12 a and by pinching the outer surface 70 ofthe inner tube structure 20 a. The respective pairs of folded portions66 are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the adjoiningsurface of the structures 12 a, 20 a to define the sides of acorresponding channel 64.

The vascular graft 10 a may include internal reinforcing material 72located between the outer and inner tube structures 12 a, 20 a. Theinternal reinforcing material 72 may be constituted by one or morestiffening ribs, highly absorbent materials and other reinforcingmaterial having generally the same nature and composition as thereinforcing material 56. The internal reinforcing material 72 may besecured to one or both of the outer and inner tube structures 12 a, 20a, such as by being adhesively bonded thereto. Alternatively, or incombination with the adhesive bonding, the internal reinforcing material72 may be stitched to the outer or inner tube structure 12 a, 20 a byfilament material 62, such as suture material. The internal reinforcingmaterial 72 may be applied to the structures 12 a, 20 a in a flowablecondition, in a similar manner as described herein above for thereinforcing material 56 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

A vascular graft 10 b having reinforced portions 44 b provided bycrimping 74 one or both of the outer and inner tube structures 12 b, 20b is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. FIGS. 5 and 6 are views which correspondgenerally to FIGS. 1 and 3, and FIGS. 2 and 4, respectively. Partsillustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 which correspond to parts illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 4 have, in FIGS. 5 and 6, the same reference numeral as inFIGS. 1 to 4 with the addition of the suffix “b”.

The crimping 74 may be on one or both of the outer surface 46 b of theouter tube structure 12 b and the inner surface 48 b of the inner tubestructure 20 b. Reinforcing material 56 b may be secured to the crimping74 such as by being adhesively bonded thereto. Alternatively, or incombination with the adhesive bonding, the reinforcing material 56 b maybe stitched to the crimping 74 by filament material 62 b, such as suturematerial.

The vascular graft 10 b may include internal reinforcing material 72 blocated between the outer and inner tube structures 12 b, 20 b. Theinternal reinforcing material 72 b may be of generally the same natureand composition as the internal reinforcing material 72 shown in FIGS. 3and 4. The reinforcing material 72 b may be secured to one or both ofthe outer and inner tube structures 12 b, 20 b in generally the samemanner as the reinforcing material 72 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The vascular graft 10, 10 a, 10 b is suitable for implantation withinthe body of a patient. The reinforced portions 44, 44 a, 44 b may bedeformable such that the associated portions of the outer and inner tubestructures 12, 12 a, 12 b, 20, 20 a, 20 b are conformable to a vesselwithin the body of a patient. Resistance to deformation is provided tothe portions of the structures 12, 12 a, 12 b, 20, 20 a, 20 b having thereinforced portions 44, 44 a, 44 b. The reinforced portions 44, 44 a, 44b may be configured to resist deformation of the annular cross-sectionsof the outer and inner tube structures 12, 12 a, 12 b, 20, 20 a, 20 b.This resistance to deformation of the annular cross-sections of thestructures 12, 12 a, 12 b, 20, 20 a, 20 b may be sufficient tofacilitate expansion or removal of one or more obstructions in a vesselduring implantation therein of the vascular graft 10, 10 a, 10 b.Alternatively, or in addition to this resistance provided by thereinforced portions 44, 44 a, 44 b, the reinforced portions may beconfigured to resist longitudinal deformation of the structures 12, 12a, 12 b, 20, 20 a, 20 b including both elongation and compressionthereof.

The resistance to longitudinal deformation and deformation of theannular cross-sections of the structures 12, 12 a, 12 b, 20, 20 a, 20 bmay be affected by the textile material of the outer tube structure. Forexample, textiles which are weaved typically provide greater resistanceto elongation as compared to textiles which are knitted or braided. Atextile which is knitted may be the material for a tube structure of avascular graft 10, 10 a, 10 b, which is similar to that disclosed inU.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2003/0204241. Accordingly,the resistance to deformation of the vascular graft 10, 10 a, 10 b maybe controllably varied by selecting a specific textile pattern, such asknitted, weaved or braided, as the material for the outer tube structure12, 12 a, 12 b.

An implantable laminate prosthesis 10 c, including a first layerstructure 12 c secured to a second layer structure 20 c in laminatingrelation thereto, is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The first layer structure12 c is formed of textile material, and the second layer structure 20 cis formed of non-textile material. In this and other respects, thestructures 12 c, 20 c correspond to the outer and inner tube structures12, 12 a, 12 b, 20, 20 a, 20 b. In further respects, the first andsecond layer structures 12 c, 20 c differ from the structures 12, 12 a,12 b, 20, 20 a, 20 b such as, for example, the tubular shape thereof ascompared to the planar shape of the first and second layer structures.Accordingly, FIGS. 7 and 8 are views which correspond generally to FIGS.1, 3 and 5, and to FIGS. 2, 4 and 6, respectively. Parts illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8 which correspond to parts illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6have, in FIGS. 7 and 8, the same reference numeral as in FIGS. 1 to 6with the addition of the suffix “c”.

The laminate prosthesis 10 c has reinforced portions 44 c whichcorrespond generally to the reinforced portions 44, 44 a, 44 b.Accordingly, the laminate prosthesis 10 c may include reinforcingmaterial 56 c secured to one or both of the first or second layerstructures 12 c, 20 c. Additionally, the laminate prosthesis 10 c mayinclude channels 64 c in which the reinforcing material 56 c issupported and secured. Also, one or both of the structures 12 c, 20 cmay be crimped 74 c and reinforcing material 56 c may be securedthereto. Internal reinforcing material 72 c may be located between thefirst and second layer structures 12 c, 20 c and secured thereto, asshown in FIG. 8. The reinforcing material 56 c, 72 c provides support toresist deformation of the laminate prosthesis 10 c.

While the invention has been described by reference to certain preferredembodiments, it should be understood that numerous changes could be madewithin the spirit and scope of the inventive concept described.Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to thedisclosed embodiments, but that it have the full scope permitted by thelanguage of the following claims.

1. An implantable vascular graft comprising: an outer tube structureformed of a textile material; an inner tube structure formed of anon-textile material, said inner tube structure being secured to saidouter tube structure such that said inner tube structure is within saidouter tube structure in coaxial relation therewith, said outer or innertube structure having a deformable reinforced portion incorporated intosaid structure which provides for conformance thereof to a vessel of apatient.
 2. An implantable vascular graft according to claim 1, whereinsaid outer tube structure has an outer surface at least part of which isdefined by said reinforced portion.
 3. An implantable vascular graftaccording to claim 1, wherein said inner tube structure has an innersurface at least part of which is defined by said reinforced portion. 4.An implantable vascular graft according to claim 1, wherein saidreinforced portion defines at least parts of said outer and inner tubestructures such that said reinforced portion is between said outer andinner tube structures.
 5. An implantable vascular graft according toclaim 1, wherein said inner tube structure is formed of a PTFE material.6. An implantable vascular graft according to claim 1, wherein saidtextile material is knitted, weaved or braided.
 7. An implantablevascular graft comprising: an outer tube structure formed of a textilematerial, said textile being weaved, knitted or braided; and an innertube structure formed of a non-textile material, said inner tubestructure being secured to said outer tube structure such that saidinner tube structure is within said outer tube structure in coaxialrelation therewith, said outer or inner tube structure having areinforced portion incorporated into at least one of said structures. 8.An implantable vascular graft according to claim 7, wherein said outertube structure has an outer surface at least a part of which is definedby said reinforced portion.
 9. An implantable vascular graft accordingto claim 7, wherein said inner tube structure has an inner surface atleast a part of which is defined by said reinforced portion.
 10. Animplantable vascular graft according to claim 7, wherein said reinforcedportion defines at least parts of said outer and inner tube structuressuch that said reinforced portion is between said outer and inner tubestructures.
 11. An implantable vascular graft according to claim 7,wherein said inner tube structure is formed of a PTFE material.
 12. Animplantable vascular graft according to claim 7, wherein said textilematerial is knitted, weaved or braided.
 13. An implantable vasculargraft comprising: an outer tube structure formed of a textile materialand having an outer surface; and an inner tube structure formed of anon-textile material and having an inner surface, said inner tubestructure being secured to said outer tube structure such that saidinner tube structure is within said outer tube structure in coaxialrelation therewith, said outer or inner surface having a reinforcedportion.
 14. An implantable vascular graft according to claim 13,wherein said reinforced portion is elongate and has a straight,serpentine or saw-tooth configuration.
 15. An implantable vascular graftaccording to claim 13, wherein said outer and inner tube structures eachcomprise: a trunk portion having opposite ends, said trunk portion ofsaid inner tube structure having an interior region; and a pair of legportions, said leg portions of said inner tube structure each having aninterior region, said leg portions extending from adjacent ends of saidtrunk portions such that said interior regions of said leg portions ofsaid inner tube structure communicate with said interior region of saidtrunk portion of said inner tube structure.
 16. An implantable vasculargraft according to claim 15, wherein said trunk portion or one of saidleg portions has said reinforced portion.
 17. An implantable vasculargraft according to claim 13, wherein said inner tube structure is formedof a PTFE material.
 18. An implantable vascular graft according to claim13, wherein said textile material is knitted, weaved or braided.
 19. Animplantable vascular graft comprising: an outer tube structure formed ofa textile material, said outer tube structure having an outer surface;an inner tube structure formed of a non-textile material and having aninner surface, said inner tube structure being secured to said outertube structure such that said inner tube structure is within said outertube structure in coaxial relation therewith; a channel extending fromsaid outer or inner surface, said channel having a pair of sides whichare generally perpendicular to the adjoining one of said outer or innersurfaces; and a reinforcing material located within and secured to saidchannel.
 20. An implantable vascular graft according to claim 19,wherein said channel is defined by a pair of folded portions of saidouter or inner tube structure, said folded portions being parallel toeach other and perpendicular to the adjoining portion of said outer orinner tube structure.
 21. An implantable vascular graft according toclaim 19, and further comprising a filament material stitched to saidreinforcing material and to said channel for securing said reinforcingmaterial thereto.
 22. An implantable vascular graft according to claim19, and further comprising an internal reinforcing material locatedbetween said outer and inner tube structures, said internal reinforcingmaterial being secured to said outer or inner tube structure.
 23. Animplantable vascular graft according to claim 22, and further comprisingan additional filament material stitched to said internal reinforcingmaterial and to said outer or inner tube structure for said securing ofsaid internal reinforcing material thereto.
 24. An implantable vasculargraft according to claim 19, wherein said inner tube structure is formedof a PTFE material.
 25. An implantable vascular graft according to claim19, wherein said textile material is knitted, weaved or braided.
 26. Animplantable vascular graft comprising: an outer tube structure formed ofa textile material; an inner tube structure formed of a non-textilematerial, said inner tube structure being secured to said outer tubestructure such that said inner tube structure is within said outer tubestructure in coaxial relation therewith; a flowable reinforcing materialapplied to said outer or inner tube structure such that, subsequent tosaid application, said reinforcing material rigidifies; and a filamentmaterial stitched to said reinforcing material and to said outer orinner tube structure for securing said reinforcing material thereto. 27.An implantable vascular graft according to claim 26, wherein said outertube structure has an outer surface to which said reinforcing materialis stitched.
 28. An implantable vascular graft according to claim 26,wherein said inner tube structure has an inner surface to which saidreinforcing material is stitched.
 29. An implantable vascular graftaccording to claim 26, wherein said reinforcing material is locatedbetween said outer and inner tubes.
 30. An implantable vascular graftaccording to claim 26, wherein said inner tube is formed of a PTFEmaterial.
 31. An implantable vascular graft according to claim 26,wherein said textile material is knitted, weaved or braided.
 32. Animplantable vascular graft comprising: an outer tube structure formed ofa textile material; and an inner tube structure formed of a non-textilematerial, said inner tube structure being secured to said outer tubestructure such that said inner tube structure is within said outer tubestructure in coaxial relation therewith, at least a portion of saidouter or inner tube structure being crimped.
 33. An implantable vasculargraft according to claim 32, wherein said outer tube structure has anouter surface at least a portion of which is crimped.
 34. An implantablevascular graft according to claim 32, wherein said inner tube structurehas an outer surface at least a portion of which is crimped.
 35. Animplantable vascular graft according to claim 32, wherein said outer andinner tube structures have respective portions which are crimped.
 36. Animplantable vascular graft according to claim 32, and further comprisinga reinforcing material secured to said crimped portion.
 37. Animplantable vascular graft according to claim 36, and further comprisinga filament material stitched to said reinforcing material and to saidcrimped portion for securing said reinforcing material thereto.
 38. Animplantable vascular graft according to claim 32, and further comprisingan internal reinforcing material located between said outer and innertube structures, said internal reinforcing material being secured tosaid outer or inner tube structure.
 39. An implantable vascular graftaccording to claim 38, and further comprising a filament materialstitched to said internal reinforcing material and to said outer orinner tube structure for said securing of said internal reinforcingmaterial thereto.
 40. An implantable vascular graft according to claim32, wherein said inner tube structure is formed of a PTFE material. 41.An implantable vascular graft according to claim 32, wherein saidtextile material is knitted, weaved or braided.
 42. An implantablevascular graft comprising: an outer tube structure formed of a textilematerial; an inner tube structure formed of a non-textile material, saidinner tube structure being secured to said outer tube structure suchthat said inner tube structure is within said outer tube structure incoaxial relation therewith; and a highly absorbent material secured tosaid outer or inner tube structure.
 43. An implantable vascular graftaccording to claim 42, wherein said outer tube structure has an outersurface to which said highly absorbent material is secured.
 44. Animplantable vascular graft according to claim 42, wherein said innertube structure has an inner surface to which said highly absorbentmaterial is secured.
 45. An implantable vascular graft according toclaim 42, wherein said highly absorbent material is secured to saidouter and inner tube structures such that said highly absorbent materialis between said outer and inner tube structures.
 46. An implantablevascular graft according to claim 42, and further comprising a filamentmaterial stitched to said highly absorbent material and to said outer orinner tube structure for securing said reinforcing material thereto. 47.An implantable vascular graft according to claim 42, wherein said innertube structure is formed of a PTFE material.
 48. An implantable vasculargraft according to claim 42, wherein said textile material is knitted,weaved or braided.
 49. An implantable vascular graft comprising: anouter tube structure formed of a textile material; an inner tubestructure formed of a non-textile material, said inner tube structurebeing secured to said outer tube structure such that said inner tubestructure is within said outer tube structure in coaxial relationtherewith; and a stiffening rib formed of a PTFE or adhesive material,said stiffening rib being secured to said outer or inner tube structure.50. An implantable vascular graft according to claim 49, wherein saidouter tube structure has an outer surface to which said stiffening ribis secured.
 51. An implantable vascular graft according to claim 49,wherein said inner tube structure has an inner surface to which saidstiffening rib is secured.
 52. An implantable vascular graft accordingto claim 49, wherein said stiffening rib is secured to said outer andinner tube structures such that said stiffening rib is between saidouter and inner tube structures.
 53. An implantable vascular graftaccording to claim 49, wherein said stiffening rib is formed of a PTFEmaterial, said securing of said stiffening rib comprising thermalbonding thereof to said outer or inner tube structure.
 54. Animplantable vascular graft according to claim 49, wherein saidstiffening rib is formed of an adhesive material, said stiffening ribbeing secured to said outer and inner tube structures such that saidstiffening rib is between said outer and inner tube structures.
 55. Animplantable vascular graft according to claim 49, wherein saidstiffening rib is formed of an adhesive material comprisingpolyurethane.
 56. An implantable vascular graft according to claim 49,and further comprising a filament material stitched to said stiffeningrib and to said outer or inner tube structure for securing saidstiffening rib thereto.
 57. An implantable vascular graft according toclaim 49, wherein said inner tube structure is formed of a PTFEmaterial.
 58. An implantable vascular graft according to claim 49,wherein said textile material is knitted, weaved or braided.
 59. Animplantable laminate prosthesis comprising: a first layer structureformed of a textile material; and a second layer structure formed of anon-textile material, said first and second layer structures beingsecured together in laminating relation to one another, said first orsecond layer structure having a reinforced portion.
 60. An implantablelaminate prosthesis according to claim 59, wherein said first layerstructure has an outer surface at least a part of which is defined bysaid reinforced portion.
 61. An implantable laminate prosthesisaccording to claim 59, wherein said second layer structure has an outersurface at least a part of which is defined by said reinforced portion.62. An implantable laminate prosthesis according to claim 59, whereinsaid reinforced portion comprises a reinforcing material secured to saidfirst and second layer structures such that said reinforcing material isbetween said first and second layers.
 63. An implantable laminateprosthesis according to claim 59, wherein said reinforced portioncomprises a reinforcing material, and a filament material stitched tosaid reinforcing material and to said first or second layer structurefor securing said reinforcing material thereto.
 64. An implantablelaminate prosthesis according to claim 59, wherein said second layerstructure is formed of a PTFE material.
 65. An implantable laminateprosthesis according to claim 59, wherein said first and second layerstructures have corresponding outer surfaces, one of said first andsecond layer structures further comprising a channel extending from saidcorresponding outer surface, said channel having a pair of sides whichare generally perpendicular to the adjoining one of said outer surfaces,said reinforced portion comprising a reinforcing material being locatedwithin and secured to said channel.
 66. An implantable laminateprosthesis according to claim 65, wherein said channel is defined by apair of folded portions of said first or second layer structure, saidfolded portions being parallel to each other and perpendicular to theadjoining portion of said first or second layer structure.
 67. Animplantable laminate prosthesis according to claim 59, wherein saidreinforced portion comprises a reinforcing material secured to saidfirst or second layer structure, said reinforcing material being appliedto said first or second layer structure in a flowable condition suchthat, subsequent to said application, said reinforcing materialrigidities.
 68. An implantable laminate prosthesis according to claim59, wherein said reinforced portion comprises a crimped portion of saidfirst or second layer structure.
 69. An implantable laminate prosthesisaccording to claim 59, wherein said reinforced portion comprises ahighly absorbent material secured to said first or second layerstructure.
 70. An implantable laminate prosthesis according to claim 59,wherein said reinforced portion comprises a stiffening rib formed of aPTFE or adhesive material, said stiffening rib being secured to saidfirst or second layer.
 71. An implantable laminate prosthesis accordingto claim 70, wherein said stiffening rib is formed of a PTFE material,said securing of said stiffening rib comprising thermal bonding thereofto said first or second layer structure.
 72. An implantable laminateprosthesis according to claim 70, wherein said stiffening rib is formedof an adhesive material comprising polyurethane.
 73. An implantablelaminate prosthesis according to claim 59, wherein said textile materialis knitted, weaved or braided.